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My Confession: The Perils of Depression

Depression is an issue that is too often, not taken seriously among today’s society. Without proper attention, serious issues will arise later in life.

Mental health has always been in the news one way or another. Whether it’s for pleading insanity for a tragic act, or blaming certain actions on mental instability. This falls under the realm of psychology. Anyone who has taken a general psychology class, knows that mental health includes a broad range of topics and conditions. Depression falls under the category of mood disorders in the spectrum of mental health disorders. Excluding the various types of depression, I’ll be talking about the illness as a whole. You may be wondering why I care so much, why it’s important for me. Well, confession time: I have depression. I won’t go into the whole woe is me, it ruined my life spiel. I’m here to explain what it is, and what can be done to make it better, more bearable.

The Rundown

Depression is a type of mood disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. People don’t like talking about it because it makes them seem weaker and incapable. But mostly because, people don’t know what depression actually is. Depression is a type of mood disorder that makes a person withdraw into themselves, isolates them from others. People with this illness are very good at hiding it as well. On the outside, they wear a mask of fake smiles and feigned contentment. Inside, they are in agony. They are slowly dying from insecurities and their loud thoughts. Telling people about those feelings is a double-edged sword. Talking out feelings helps to alleviate those negative thoughts and emotions. It also makes the person believe they are burdening the other person with all these heavy emotions. As a result, people with depression often keep to themselves, telling almost no one about their suffering.

My Experience

In my worst moments, I felt as if I was alone in the world. I felt that no one could possibly help me get through life at that point; I was hopeless. My depression was cyclical. Sometimes, I would be on the high points, where things in my life were going well; I was happy. Other times, I would be at my lowest, dark thoughts would circle in my head constantly. At those moments, it was hard to think I had any hope in life. I won’t go into details as to how I became depressed, that in itself is a depressing matter. I will say, that it does get better, with time. Recently, I started seeing a therapist for my depression. Once I started going to the sessions, I started opening up to my friends more and more, as to what I was going through. I’m so glad I did.

Having that support group behind you relieves a massive burden on your shoulders. Talking to loved ones about depression alleviates the pressure of being alone. Companionship is a major part of depression treatment. If you surround yourself with good people, the darkness within starts to fade away. There will be days, when the thoughts and emotions plague you the most. The best thing to do, is to immediately seek out your friends or family. If not, talk yourself down and breathe. At that moment, things seem hopeless and pointless. Don’t let the negative emotions take control. Don’t fold into yourself. Let out the feelings and thoughts. When you’re suffering, tell someone. And eventually, the light at the end of the tunnel creeps closer, bit by bit.